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MIPTV attendance impacted by Iraq conflict
CANNES: The US-Iraq war has left its impact on the 40th edition of MIPTV.
This holds true if one looks at the numbers announced by organiser Reed Midem as of 26 March. Day one was characterised by typical hustle and bustle making it look like the regular MIPTV. But since then, the numbers have refused to climb.
A Reed spokesperson said, “There have been some cancellations. Some people who were supposed to come on Day 2 and Day 3 did not turn up. But we will know only come to know the exact numbers after MIPTV is over on 28 March.”
The numbers as of 26 March:for 2003 vs 2002
| Category | 2003 numbers | 2002 numbers |
| Participants | 9024 | 10,104 |
| Buyers | 2327 | 2603 |
| Registered Companies | 2666 | 2686 |
| Countries Represented | 95 | 92 |
| Exhibiting Companies | 1247 |
1205 |
However, the Indian participants do not seem to mind the reduction in numbers. Since the itinerary is less crowded and taxing, everyone has had extra time to spend with each other and discuss. Meetings have been less rushed, observes Balaji Telefilms Rajesh Pavithran. He said, “It has been a good market for us.”
Says animation studio Jadoo Works chief Ashish Kulkarni: “It has been a great MIPTV for us. Our deals are progressing well, the lower attendance has proved beneficial.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
